Sounds of the game… Bruins 5, Leafs 2

He changed his uniform number before the game from 42 to 26. He scored his first career hat trick as the Bruins beat the Maple Leafs[2], 5-2, Thursday night at TD Banknorth Garden[3].

Wheeler is now tied with Toronto’s Mikhail Grabovski for the NHL[4] rookie goal lead with 6. ‘¦ Dennis Wideman[5] won $100 for scoring the goal on Andrew Ference[6]‘s 100th career assist. Ference said before the game he would offer the reward to the lucky goal-scorer. Thursday marked Zdeno Chara[7]‘s 700th career game.

[8] Blake Wheeler gives props to his line mates of Marco Sturm and David Krejci: http://blogs.weei.com/mikepetraglia/2008/11/06/sounds-of-the-game-bruins-5-leafs-2/110608_blakewheeler_givecredittosturmandkrejci/

[9] Wheeler on his number change: http://blogs.weei.com/mikepetraglia/2008/11/06/sounds-of-the-game-bruins-5-leafs-2/110608_blakewheeler_changefrom42to26/

[10] Wheeler on bringing his A-game every night: http://blogs.weei.com/mikepetraglia/2008/11/06/sounds-of-the-game-bruins-5-leafs-2/110608_blakewheeler_gottahaveagameeverynight/

[11] Tim Thomas said the 5-on-3 penalty kill in the third period was the key to the game since Boston led only, 3-1: http://blogs.weei.com/mikepetraglia/2008/11/06/sounds-of-the-game-bruins-5-leafs-2/110608_timthomas_5on3penaltykillwashuge/

[12] Andrew Ference collected his 100th career assist and explains why Thursday was such a big win: http://blogs.weei.com/mikepetraglia/2008/11/06/sounds-of-the-game-bruins-5-leafs-2/110608_andrewference_goodtosee60minuteeffort/